MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA --- Chess coach and tournament organizer
Caesar Lawrence, of Birmimgham, was recognized by the State of Alabama for his
chess promotion work, coaching scholastic players and tournament organizing.

Meeting with Governor Robert Bentley, who presented a
resolution of recognition from the state legislature, Lawrence said he was
pleased that chess was being commended by the highest levels of state
leadership.

"It was a privilege for me to meet with the governor,"
Lawrence said. "More important is the fact that chess is getting such
publicity. Chess helps kids on so many different levels in school.My goal is for chess to be accepted for the
sport that it is."

Gov. Bentley and the Alabama Legislature have recognized the
value of chess as a critical thinking, education tool.The Alabama Chess Federation is working with
the Alabama State Dept. of Education in developing a full scale Chess in the
Schools Initiative.The Office of the
Governor also issues a yearly National Chess Day proclamation.

Lawrence's scholastic chess promotion and organizing
tournaments in all areas of Alabama drew the attention of Alabama's
leaders.He has brought organized chess
events to counties that have never had a tournament before.

"Caesar's passion for chess coupled with his entrepreneurial
spirit and persistence in the face of adversity has been a blessing to
Alabama's chess community. The tournaments he organizes are the bedrock for competitive
play throughout the state," Neil Dietsch, president of the Alabama Chess
Federation said.

Caesar Lawrence has directed over 275 tournaments. He runs
CaesarChess which organizes scholastic and adult chess tournaments throughout
the year. He is a US Chess Federation Certified Chess Coach, Certified
Affiliate and Alabama Chess Federation Affiliate.

Lawrence coaches public and private schools, as well as
homeschool networks. Along with IM David Ross, Lawrence ran the 2014 Birmingham
Chess Camp.

When asked by Gov. Bentley what advice he gives coaching
scholastic chess players, Caesar said, "Slow down, think about it, and make
good decisions!" The governor smiled and said, "Elected officials can use that
advice as well!"

Lawrence will direct the annual National Chess Day
Scholastic, on October 11, in Birmingham. The event is held at the Brookwood
Village Mall and is highly visible to the public.Lawrence does this as a labor of love -
promoting chess and with all of the proceeds going to Children's of Alabama
hospital.Senate Joint
Resolution - 2014

RECOGNIZING THE WORK
AND RESULTS OF CAESAR LAWRENCE, ALABAMA'S SCHOLASTIC CHESS COACH AND TOURNAMENT
DIRECTOR.

WHEREAS, it is with highest commendation that CaesarLawrence, a United States Chess Federation
Certified Scholastic Chess Coach and professional tournament director, is
recognized for his work, results, and inspiration to children to learn and play
chess; and

WHEREAS, since June 2006, Mr. Lawrence, through his programs
developed at Caesar Chess, LLC, has been teaching children how to play chess,
have fun, and test their skills in tournaments; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Lawrence plans, organizes, and directs chess
tournaments for adult and scholastic players K-12; he also serves as After
School Enrichment Coach for Birmingham and Montgomery Schools, conducts Summer
Chess Camps, and travels throughout Alabama tirelessly promoting andpublicizing chess; and

WHEREAS, the venerable game of chess, which leads to a
lifetime of fascination and enjoyment, has provided pleasure for millions of
chess players the world over; and

WHEREAS, chess is a challenging game that contributes to
enhancing the reasoning process, strengthenscognitive skills, and improves the mental acuity of young participants;
and

WHEREAS, now well established in Alabama's public and
private schools, chess can improve a child's ability to concentrate, boost his
or her self esteem, build lasting friendships, and lead to improved performance
in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, encouraging hundreds of children to take up the
game of chess, Caesar Lawrence, with his unique chess teaching programs, is
providing many talented Alabama children with the knowledge and skills to
become better students as well as better chess players, and he has worked
diligently to increase public awareness about the value of chess in the school
systems; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES
THEREOF CONCURRING, That Caesar Lawrence is hereby most highly honored and
commended for his exemplary work as Alabama's Scholastic Chess Coach and
Tournament Director, and it is directed that a copy of this resolution be
provided to him in admiration and appreciation, along with best wishes for
continuing success in his worthy endeavors.